ASCEND Podcast

Hosted by Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby

Business Education Society CultureInterviews guests

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Episodes

207

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Are you ready to ASCEND to new possibilities? In this podcast, Dr. Jared Tippets and Dr. Eric Kirby outline why a focus on retention and completion is so important, why previous retention efforts have not always worked, and discuss how we can successfully "ASCEND" to these great expectations. In each episode, we will share innovative ideas, creative initiatives, and best practices and strategies that campuses have used to achieve amazing results. This podcast has intentionally been produced in a quick-tip, bite-sized format where the listener can quickly find ideas, initiatives, and solutions that can be tried on campus today.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 20, 2026Episode 4436 min

S3 - E44 - Nicole Kaforski, Kristina Rittel, Kasie Strahl, and Kari Temkin (Culture)

What if a campus job could be more than a paycheck? In this episode, we explore how the University of Wisconsin-Madison transformed student employment into an intentional vehicle for belonging, leadership, career development, and retention. From reflective supervisor conversations to leadership development and communities of practice, discover how rethinking the student employment experience can turn thousands of campus jobs into thousands of opportunities for student success.

September 13, 2026Episode 4319 min

S3 - E43 - Dr. Gill Hunter - Small-Dollar Support Keeps Students Enrolled (Affordability)

Sometimes the difference between staying in college and stopping out is just $100. In this episode, I visit with Dr. Gill Hunter to explore Eastern Kentucky University’s innovative retention grant strategy, using data to identify students with registration holds and providing targeted, just-in-time financial support. Discover how EKU moved from students having to ask for help to proactively putting the right amount of support in front of the right student at the right time, and how a small investment can create a big return in student persistence.

September 6, 2026Episode 4230 min

S3 - E42 - Dr. Hayden Coombs - Creating a Supportive Culture for Student-Athlete Success (Culture)

What if the key to student-athlete success isn’t just what happens in the classroom or on the field, but the culture surrounding them? In this episode, we explore practical, cost-effective strategies for creating a student-first athletics culture—from peer mentorship and strong coach-athlete relationships to mental health support, international student services, and navigating the Transfer Portal and NIL. Discover how collaboration, belonging, and intentional support can help student-athletes stay, thrive, and graduate.

August 30, 2026Episode 4118 min

S3 - E41 - Dr. Anthony Desiderio - Supporting First-Generation Student Success: The Robert J. McGuire Scholarship Program (Support)

What happens when financial support is paired with intentional community, mentorship, and a clear path to success? In this episode, we explore St. Francis College’s Robert J. McGuire Scholarship Program and its holistic approach to supporting first-generation students. From substantial tuition assistance to peer mentorship, career preparation, and a personalized co-curricular roadmap, discover how investing in the whole student can transform opportunity into belonging, success, and lifelong impact.

August 23, 2026Episode 4018 min

S3 - E40 - Joel Spiess - From Hold to Hope: Transforming Student Persistence Through Retention Grants (Affordability)

What if a relatively small financial intervention could keep a student enrolled and on track to graduate? In this episode, we explore the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s innovative retention grants program, which helps students clear financial holds and register for the next term before a temporary setback becomes a reason to stop out. With more than 3,500 students supported and an average persistence/graduation rate of 82%, this is a powerful story of how targeted financial support can turn a financial hold into a pathway forward.

August 16, 2026Episode 3924 min

S3 - E39 - Dr. Matt Daily and Tiffany Sorensen - Restructuring for Retention: Leveraging Capacity and Data to Enhance First-Semester Student Persistence in Higher Education (Culture)

What if the students who aren’t making it back to campus are the ones we should be studying most closely? In this episode, we explore how Idaho State University used a “survivorship bias” lens, institutional data, and a strategic restructuring of academic advising to better support students during their critical first semester. Discover how earlier connections, intentional advising, and data-informed interventions helped ISU increase first-semester academic success and boost first-time student retention.

August 9, 2026Episode 3834 min

S3 - E38 - Kim Williams and Dr. Sarah Wray Marshall - Innovative academic advocacy model and SMART data platforms (Support & Data)

What if data could help you see every student who needs help, and help you act sooner? In this episode, I sat down with Kimberly Williams and Dr. Sarah Wray Marshall to explore the University of South Florida ’s innovative academic advocacy model and SMART data platforms, showing how proactive, holistic support and real-time analytics can move student success from reactive to intentional. Tune in to hear how USF transformed data into action, empowered advocates and advisors, and helped drive meaningful gains in retention and graduation.

August 2, 2026Episode 3719 min

S3 - E37 - Dr. Lo Moser Klink and Justin Mumford - Campus Thrills for Zero Bills: Reducing the Cost of Experience (Affordability)

College isn't just about tuition; It's about experiences. In this episode, we explore how the University of Wisconsin–Madison's innovative No Fees Project is removing hidden financial barriers that keep students from fully participating in campus life. Learn how eliminating the "cost of experience" is increasing belonging, boosting engagement, and helping more students thrive from orientation to graduation. Discover why affordability isn't just about paying for college, it's about making the college experience accessible to everyone.

July 26, 2026Episode 3628 min

S3 - E36 - Dr. Chad Brassil and Joseph Lynch - Using Data for Student Outreach (Data)

How can institutions turn data into timely, meaningful student support? The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Academic Navigator Team uses actionable data such as academic performance, LMS engagement, and student experience surveys to identify students who may need support and connect them with resources before challenges become barriers to success. This episode highlights how proactive, data-informed outreach can strengthen collaboration across campus, close equity gaps, and improve student retention and outcomes.

July 19, 2026Episode 3519 min

S3 - E35 - Dr. Michael Goemans and Dr. Brian Kapinos - Best Practices for Engaging Students in Community Colleges Through Holistic Support (Engagement)

In this episode, we explore how Connecticut State Community College is using a Holistic Student Support (HSS) Survey to identify student needs, remove barriers to success, and strengthen engagement across its campuses. The conversation examines how timely data on issues such as basic needs, technology access, transportation, and sense of belonging enables staff to provide proactive, personalized support before challenges become obstacles to persistence. This episode highlights how a holistic, data-informed approach can foster stronger connections, increase student engagement, and create a more supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.